Determined Black Stars train for Portugal decider

Ghana’s Black Stars returned to training in Maceio yesterday morning with mixed feelings following the outcome of last Sunday’s Group G cracker between the USA and Portugal in Manaus.

After forcing a gruelling 2-2 draw with Germany in Fortaleza a day earlier, the Stars camp was hoping for a Portugal win against US to give them a lifeline in case of victory over Portugal in Brasilia on Thursday.

But as it turned out, the 2-2 draw between US and Portugal puts Ghana in an awkward position where they can only pray for a win by Germany over USA while hoping for a win against Portugal to sail through.

Yesterday, Coach Kwasi Appiah had the full complement of his players at training, after midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and centre-back John Boye were excused from  last Sunday’s exercise in order to undergo treatment for injuries sustained in last Saturday’s group clash with Germany.

In their determination to conquer Portugal, the Stars know too well that a draw between Germany and USA will mark the end of their successive FIFA World Cup journey here in Brazil.

That has been the height of psychological exercise among players, coaches, officials and Ghanaian fans alike in Brazil since the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portuguese side failed to beat the Americans on Sunday night.

As the football mathematics continue, Coach Appiah and his men are still focused on giving Thursday´s game their best shot, while hoping for a miracle.

The Stars will miss the services of rugged midfielder Sulley Muntari in their last group match but Coach Appiah seems not perturbed by the absence of the AC Milan star.

In an interview, the Stars coach said though Muntari was a key member of his team, his absence would give other young midfielders in the team the chance to prove themselves.

“Muntari is a key member of the team as we saw in our first two games but his absence will give other young midfielders in the team the chance to prove what they can also offer,” he said.